However, McCormack will remain as a consultant to the association's board of directors through November 2014, said PCUA board Chairman Michael Kaczenski.

McCormack's leadership has earned praise from the Credit Union National Association.

"Jim has contributed immeasurably to the growth and success of the credit union movement during his more than 40 years of service," said CUNA President/CEO Bill Cheney.

"I've known Jim for most of my own career with credit unions, and I have always had enormous respect for Jim's leadership ability, his innovative thinking--the league's iBelong public awareness campaign is just one great example--and his extreme passion for the cause of credit unions," Cheney added.

"During my 26 years in the credit union movement, and my tenure on the PCUA board, Jim has exemplified the qualities of a true credit union leader," PCUA's Kaczenski said. "He is a visionary whose commitment to cooperation, advocacy and growth of credit unions around the state, country and globe has made the movement stronger for all who are in it now and will be part of it tomorrow.

"We will miss what Jim has brought to us; yet, we know that he will be an ongoing resource and promoter of the credit union movement in his retirement," said Kaczenski.

A nationwide search for McCormack's successor is being conducted by credit union consulting firm Dollar Associates LLC of Birmingham, Ala.

"It's been a privilege to serve this board and Pennsylvania's credit union movement for the last 32 years," McCormack said.

He began his credit union movement career in 1971. Before joining PCUA, he served in various positions with CUNA Mutual Group, both in Pittsburgh and its corporate headquarters in Madison, Wis. In 2009, he was presented the Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues.

McCormick also served in the past on the boards of CUNA and the National Credit Union Foundation. He is a native of Scranton, Pa.